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O’FALLON, Mo (KMOV.com) -- Many residents may be inviting criminals into their home without even knowing it. While out mowing the grass or doing yard work, most people don’t think twice about leaving their garage door open.

But when you do that, police say you could be creating a target for thieves who see easy access to your home and your valuables.

In O’Fallon, two homes on the same street reported stolen money and jewelry- and both crimes happened in the middle of the day.

Police believe the thieves got access to the stolen items through open garage doors. In one case, the homeowner actually found a woman inside her house.

The homeowner was so surprised, she didn’t even didn’t realize until later that her wallet and some jewelry were missing.

“A lot of times they’ll just drive around and look and see what they can find,” said Officer Diana Damke of the O’Fallon Police Department. “And if they happen to find something, whether it’s daytime or nighttime, and the garage is open, they’ll look around and see if they’re something nice.”

Police say residents should consider locking the door from your garage into the house. Also remember to lock your cars before you go inside.